Towards the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership

February 18, 2014 - 1:45 pm

1030 15th Street, NW, 12th FloorWashington, DC

Please join the Atlantic Council for an on-the-record conversation with European Commissioner Karel De Gucht on the latest developments as the United States and European Union negotiate a landmark Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP).

Directly following the conclusion of the political stock-taking exercise with US Trade Representative Ambassador Michael Froman, Commissioner De Gucht will offer insights on prospects for EU-US trade talks and progress achieved so far. This will be his only public address during his visit to Washington.

The Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is the largest bilateral deal ever negotiated. It will go beyond the classic approach of removing tariffs and opening markets on investment, services and public procurement; an essential component aims at making EU and US regulations and technical product standards more compatible.

TTIP will support growth and job creation on both sides of the Atlantic. Moreover, a robust agreement between the world's two largest economies and most influential regulators has the potential to generate positive momentum worldwide towards trade liberalization, open markets, and global standards.

Keynote Commissioner Karel De GuchtEuropean Commissioner for Trade

Introductions by Governor Jon HuntsmanChairman Atlantic Council

Moderated by Ambassador Robert KimmittSenior International Counsel Wilmer Hale

Please use the West Tower elevators when you arrive.

Bios

Karel de Gucht was appointed as European Commissioner for Trade in 2010. During his political career, De Gucht has served as a member of European Parliament, Belgian minister for International Trade, and Belgian minister for Foreign Affairs, among other distinguished posts. In 2009, he became the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid.